DAVAO City Councilor Luna Maria Acosta is pushing for stricter enforcement against illegal parking, proposing a clamping ordinance to address worsening traffic congestion across the city.
Acosta, who chairs the committees on Peace and Public Safety and Anti-Terrorism, said she plans to file a Clamping Zone Ordinance designating specific no-parking areas in downtown and other busy streets in Davao.
“So we will designate clamping areas in the downtown and other streets in Davao City, kung saan bawal na magpark. If you park there, your vehicle would be clamped, lalagyan talaga para hindi ka makaalis (We will designate clamping areas in the downtown and other streets in Davao City where parking will be prohibited. If you park there, your vehicle will be clamped—it will be locked in place so you can’t drive away),” she said during the Pulong Pulong sa Dabawenyos forum on Tuesday, August 5, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
She said the city is still identifying the proposed clamping zones, but likely areas include Quimpo Boulevard, R. Castillo Street, and other roads known for heavy traffic.
Acosta clarified that pay-parking and designated free-parking areas will not be affected. The city is also in the process of procuring clamps in preparation for enforcement.
Under the proposal, vehicle owners will be fined between P1,000 and P3,000—depending on the vehicle type—before clamps are removed.
Acosta added that the ordinance would require amending the city’s traffic code to authorize personnel from the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) to carry out clamping operations.
She hopes the ordinance will be passed before the end of 2025. RGP